Get ready to relive the thunderous legacy of Ronnie James Dio and his iconic collaboration with Black Sabbath members, because a monumental box set is about to drop, and it’s a must-have for any metalhead. Rhino is unleashing Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007-2009, a sprawling collection that captures the final, electrifying chapter of Dio’s tenure with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice under the Heaven & Hell banner. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this isn’t just a rehash of old tracks—it’s a deep dive into an unexpected second act that reignited the magic of one of metal’s most legendary lineups.
Available on March 27, Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007-2009 comes in two jaw-dropping formats: a 7LP vinyl set and a 4CD/Blu-ray box set. Both editions are packed with extras that will make collectors drool, including an illustrated book with new liner notes by Hugh Gilmour, a replica tour book, and a poster. But here’s the kicker: this is the first time the complete Live From Radio City Music Hall performance hits vinyl, and it features eight tracks making their vinyl debut, including studio cuts from The Dio Years and select live performances. The Blu-ray? It’s a treasure trove, expanding the set with video from Live From Radio City Music Hall, Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell - Live At Wacken, and intimate band interviews.
And this is the part most people miss: the collection isn’t just about the music—it’s a celebration of a reunion that felt like destiny. Starting with their triumphant 2007 New York performance, followed by the Top 10 studio album The Devil You Know in 2009, and capped off with the live album Neon Nights, this set chronicles a band that refused to fade into history. But was this reunion a fitting swan song, or did it leave fans yearning for more?
Let’s dive into the track listings, shall we? The 4CD set is a masterclass in heavy metal, kicking off with The Devil You Know and its blistering tracks like Atom And Evil and Bible Black. The live discs transport you to the heart of their performances, from Radio City Music Hall to the Wacken Open Air festival. The 7LP version mirrors this structure, giving vinyl enthusiasts a chance to experience every riff and roar in analog glory.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Ronnie James Dio’s legacy with Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell is undeniable, but was his final chapter with the band truly his best work? Some fans argue that The Devil You Know lacked the raw edge of Heaven And Hell or Mob Rules, while others see it as a mature evolution of their sound. What do you think? Was this reunion a triumph, or did it fall short of the band’s earlier glory?
Dio’s passing in 2010 from stomach cancer left a void in the metal world, but his influence endures. His autobiography, Rainbow In The Dark: The Autobiography, released in 2021, offers a glimpse into the man behind the mic. And Tony Iommi’s reflections on their time together paint a picture of a band that was not just colleagues, but family. But here’s the question: If Dio had lived, would Heaven & Hell have gone on to create even greater music, or had they already reached their peak?
As you pre-order Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007-2009 (available here: https://heavenandhell.lnk.to/breakingoutPR), take a moment to appreciate the legacy of a band that defied time and expectations. And don’t forget to check out the HD-upscaled video of Bible Black—it’s a reminder of why Dio’s voice remains unmatched.
So, what’s your take? Is this box set a worthy tribute, or is it just another cash grab? Let’s debate in the comments—because when it comes to Heaven & Hell, every opinion counts.
